Where in the world are brown recluse spiders most likely to appear?

• <div><p>Brown recluse spiders are found in Midwestern and South Central states like Nebraska, Ohio, Texas, and Georgia. While it’s possible to find spiders from the same genus elsewhere in the country, you’re unlikely to find a brown recluse infestation outside of these designated zones. In any case, there are other dangerous spider species across the U.S., so always use caution when dealing with infestations of any kind. </p></div>

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Q: What smell keeps armadillos away?

• <div><p>Armadillos have very strong smelling capabilities to track down insects efficiently. But this superpower is actually a double-edged sword because their extreme sense of smell also causes them to be more sensitive and deterred by strong odors. To keep them at bay, you can place small amounts of substances like vinegar, ammonia, and mothballs around your property and near armadillo hotspots.</p><p>Although you can technically flood an armadillo out of its hole, it&rsquo;s important to remember that this can be potentially fatal to the animal. Armadillos sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, and if you perform this technique while they&rsquo;re deep in sleep, they may not awake soon enough to save themselves.</p></div>

Q: What is the best time of day to trap a groundhog?

• <div><p>You&rsquo;ll find groundhogs are most active during the morning hours and late afternoon, but they want to avoid humans at all costs. If you do set a trap, you can set it out the night before so it&rsquo;s waiting on them the next morning, and try to remove any human scent when setting it out.</p></div>

Q: What part of the year are rats more active?

• <div><p>Across most of the United States, the fall season sees rats at their prime activity levels. As temperatures drop, rats become more active, spurred by the weather shift to seek shelter as winter approaches. During this time, their curiosity and energy peak, driving them to explore what your home and its surroundings might offer.</p></div>

Q: Does cinnamon keep bugs away?

• <div><p>Cinnamon's warm scent appeals to many people but not to many bugs. The spice contains eugenol, which also happens to be used in insecticides. While the level of eugenol in cinnamon isn't enough to eliminate bugs on its own, the scent can be strong enough to keep them away. </p><p>You can try sprinkling cinnamon around areas where you've seen insects, such as ants and mosquitos. Remember that you'll have to reapply frequently, especially after periods of rain.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Shell Rock, IA

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Shell Rock, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Pest Control companies in Shell Rock, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

Last update on May 14, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
the cleaning is great amd reliable. They will also organize and offer to help on most projects they have an uncanny abaility to organize to make an space look better then when they started not afraid to tackle tough jobs we moved into house that sat empty for a while and thrilled to have back...
Kellis Clean Korners
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Reviewed in November 2024
Milledge Construction were prompt, professional and had the experience to deliver a top quality mitigation system to our home. Radon levels in our home were significantly reduced. I would recommend their mitigation system install to anyone.
Milledge Construction
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Reviewed in November 2022
Mike is quick, knowledgeable, friendly, and competitively priced. We had a carpenter ant problem, and it was cleared up after just a few treatments. Would recommend to anyone in the Cedar Falls or Waterloo, IA area!
HAWKEYE EXTERMINATING
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Reviewed in May 2022
We have used them for 2 years now for fall lawn cleanup. We are very happy with the service we received. They do excellent work, timely, with excellent communication. I would highly recommend their services
CustomPro Lawn Services
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Reviewed in April 2017
Excellent! Would hire them for any pest issues.
Enviro-Pest Solutions LLC
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Reviewed in July 2012
I dismissed them. The technician, who came out, spent most of his time talking and the least amount of time doing anything and I had carpenter ants but he just did a general spraying. He sat and talked with my maid. They were expensive. I fired them because of the poor quality of service;...
Orkin Pest Control
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Reviewed in April 2012
I moved to my house 4 years ago and have neglected the lawn. Subsequently, I had completely lost control of it as it had creeping charlie, violets, dandelions, and thin spots all over. After checking Angie's List, I called Band Kand left a message asking for an estimate at my address. After...
B & K Lawn Care
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Find Pest control specialists in Shell Rock

Terminix® Pest Control

4.3(

)

Pest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - RodentsPest Control - Termite+6 more

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very knowledgeable guy who seem to know what he’s doing. Don’t know results of spraying. Have had much rain since. Will have to see if it worked. Terminex will spray again the beginning of next month."

71 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1974

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I need to have them come and look at my bedbug problem I care of the number is 3868"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Pest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects - For Business+2 more

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"Great Service We recently had this pest control company spray our house to help prevent ants, and we couldn’t be happier with the service! We’ve had a pretty bad ant problem during the spring and summer in the past, but they were quick to respond, knowledgeable, and did a great job treating our home. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and effective pest control!"

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Pest Control - Birds and BatsPest Control - Birds and Bats - For BusinessPest Control - Small Animals+1 more

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

"I doubt that you can find any harder working people than Paul Dawson & his daughter of Ace Animal Control. We couldn't be any happier with them & their services. Long story short, the squirrels are gone & they can't get back in again. Thanks Ace ! Alan Schrank God Bless"

Response time2 days

Response rate97%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects+3 more

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"United Air Temp was able to procure a replacement furnace controller board in a couple of days and Zachary was out within 4 days of the initial visit. The furnace now works very well."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Presto-X (St. Louis)

New to Angi

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Birds and Bats+4 more

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1932

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Since 1932, Presto-X (formerly Anderson Pest Solutions) has been providing expert pest control services guided by the enduring principles of providing world class service to our customers and taking care of our colleagues. Presto-X covers your home or business with expert knowledge, professionally licensed and trained technicians, and exemplary service designed specifically for you.

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Pest Control questions, answered by experts

Armadillos have very strong smelling capabilities to track down insects efficiently. But this superpower is actually a double-edged sword because their extreme sense of smell also causes them to be more sensitive and deterred by strong odors. To keep them at bay, you can place small amounts of substances like vinegar, ammonia, and mothballs around your property and near armadillo hotspots.

Although you can technically flood an armadillo out of its hole, it’s important to remember that this can be potentially fatal to the animal. Armadillos sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, and if you perform this technique while they’re deep in sleep, they may not awake soon enough to save themselves.

You’ll find groundhogs are most active during the morning hours and late afternoon, but they want to avoid humans at all costs. If you do set a trap, you can set it out the night before so it’s waiting on them the next morning, and try to remove any human scent when setting it out.

Brown recluse spiders are found in Midwestern and South Central states like Nebraska, Ohio, Texas, and Georgia. While it’s possible to find spiders from the same genus elsewhere in the country, you’re unlikely to find a brown recluse infestation outside of these designated zones. In any case, there are other dangerous spider species across the U.S., so always use caution when dealing with infestations of any kind.

Across most of the United States, the fall season sees rats at their prime activity levels. As temperatures drop, rats become more active, spurred by the weather shift to seek shelter as winter approaches. During this time, their curiosity and energy peak, driving them to explore what your home and its surroundings might offer.

Cinnamon's warm scent appeals to many people but not to many bugs. The spice contains eugenol, which also happens to be used in insecticides. While the level of eugenol in cinnamon isn't enough to eliminate bugs on its own, the scent can be strong enough to keep them away.

You can try sprinkling cinnamon around areas where you've seen insects, such as ants and mosquitos. Remember that you'll have to reapply frequently, especially after periods of rain.

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